Traditional leaders confront Council about graves
The Govan Mbeki Municipality have apologised to residents about the high graves tariffs after traditional leaders protested.
eMZINONI – The House of Traditional Leaders told Mr Makhayiyane, MMC for Finance, that they are “sick and tired of being despised and disrespected by Council”.
Traditional leaders said Council has forgotten that the land belongs to the royal house.
This was said during a peaceful protest led by traditional leaders recently.
The protest was to oppose the high increase in tariffs of graves in the area.
Traditional leaders said the price of graves went up twice in a week.
Mr Simon Skosana, traditional leaders’ spokesman, said it was unfair and was negatively affecting the poor.
He said a grave was R3-25 to R1 353 during the week and Saturday and on Sunday R1 800.
These rates were effective from 1 July.
“The Govan Mbeki Municipality is being unfair to residents.
“This is not the only problem, but Council is undermining and disrespecting us.
“Hearing that we will march, they went to the community and told them they would reduce the rates.
“What do they take us for?”
Traditional leaders also raised their concerns about poor infrastructure at the gravesite and said there are no proper facilities like toilets.
“People do as they please and at times they fight over graves.
“This must come to end.”
Mr King Sihlali, regional manager, received the memorandum on behalf of Ms Lindi Masina, executive mayor.
He apologised on her behalf and said she wanted to come, but was ill.
Mr Sihlali promised that Council would respond within seven days.
However the Govan Mbeki Municipality released a media statement about the graves issues a day after the march.
In the statement Mr Bheki Kubheka, acting head of communications, said Council apologises for the increase in the tariffs and said it was an administrative error that would be corrected immediately.
He said tariffs will be implemented as tabled during the budget consultation meetings.
“Refunds will be paid to funeral parlours that conduct burial services.
“Those who paid directly to the municipality, are urged to contact Mr Dennis Masuku at 017 630 6332.”
